This feature will be updated monthly.
Festivities, parties, guest speakers, guest performances and more are frequent events at 55+ and active adult communities. Many are open to the public and free. They advertise the community to guests or they are regular community activities that happen to be open to the public.
Please verify all information before going to communities. Visit their websites for up-to-the-minute information.
March 2017:
The March Newsletter is out. March is the beginning of Spring and things start to get going in real estate. I am so happy to see so many new and exciting 55+ communities. This could be the best year yet! Read the March newsletter to find out where they are.
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February 2017:
Go here to read the Monthly Retirement Community News for February. 💕💕💕💕
Happy Valentine's Day! Celebrate Valentine's Day and other events. Want inspiration: Read our new feature article we link to and other informative notes for this mid-winter month.
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January 2017:
Happy New Year! 🌅
New communities are popping out like flowers after a spring rain. There is a shortage of 55+ housing, so builders are interested in building for this segment of the home buying public.
We look forward to another great year for buyers and sellers. There are more communities than ever! More seniors retiring (or not) and not enough communities for 55+. They are so popular! We have been busy listing all the new communities on our website.
Communities in the South are more popular than ever!
Winter is the time of year when seniors visit warmer states in the South. Traffic on our website to the following states picks up considerably: All parts of Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina, and north carolina.
Read our new blog article about communities coming soon in 2017 to mild-climate states.
Low Income Communities
Interest in low-income apartments has increased lately as prices of homes and rentals continue to rise. While luxury apartments for the boomers is the main focus of our site, we have 7 pages of low-income 55+ communities for people who meet the income requirements.Topic: Cooking Again
If you don't want to eat restaurant food on a daily basis (which has more salt and sugar you don't want), then you must learn some cooking tips.
1) I recently came across this one: Microwave Mug Muffin
Have you heard about that? I recently saw a video about how to do this. Having tried it, I love it! Making one muffin is so fast and easy! Using a basic recipe, I have made chocolate, chocolate chip; ginger blueberry; eggnog; apple and more. You can use your imagination on this. But the chocolate one is the best, I think. Here is the video of Dr. Gundry demonstrating. I think you would love it (and he also has a great book called Diet Evolution.)
2) Also Shea Homes has terrific videos from its Trilogy Top Chefs. Trilogy is the name of their communities for 55+.
Incentives to Buy
The year-end savings events have ended. You need to ask as some have been continued. You need to ask communities about incentives as they are not always advertised on their websites.
Visitor Stay prices are usually lower in winter except for states like Florida. Check it out.
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December 2016:
This is the month to look for year-end incentives. Builders are anxious to sell their inventory before year-end. Some great deals are being offered on move-in ready homes.
Also, this month look for Christmas and Holiday Festivals. Communities may be closed on Christmas Day so call first. Check your favorite community to see what is happening.
Many model homes will feature Christmas decorations.
Holidays
I spent Thanksgiving with my oldest daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren. Guests were my son-in-law's brother, wife and child. My youngest daughter lives in California and couldn't be there. But both girls have outstanding cooking abilities and interest. In addition my son-in-law does too.
The kitchen was swirling with happy sounds, delectable fragrance and joyful curiosities. My daughter and her husband do not cook turkey for Thanksgiving every year. This year they decided to have a menu of enticing Indian food. The following were cooked to perfection:
It was delicious. Next year they are thinking of cooking Italian. I forgot to take a photo of my dinner plate but I did get this one with leftovers the next day:
Also, this month look for Christmas and Holiday Festivals. Communities may be closed on Christmas Day so call first. Check your favorite community to see what is happening.
Many model homes will feature Christmas decorations.
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Holidays
I spent Thanksgiving with my oldest daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren. Guests were my son-in-law's brother, wife and child. My youngest daughter lives in California and couldn't be there. But both girls have outstanding cooking abilities and interest. In addition my son-in-law does too.
The kitchen was swirling with happy sounds, delectable fragrance and joyful curiosities. My daughter and her husband do not cook turkey for Thanksgiving every year. This year they decided to have a menu of enticing Indian food. The following were cooked to perfection:
- Dal Makhani
- Chana Punjabi
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Curried cauliflower and sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Cranberry sauce
- Naan
- Basmati rice pilaf
- Raita
- Pecan and berry pies with whipped cream or ice-cream
It was delicious. Next year they are thinking of cooking Italian. I forgot to take a photo of my dinner plate but I did get this one with leftovers the next day:
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| Indian Food Leftovers after Thanksgiving |
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| My daughter cooks a truly great pie! |
What Makes A Great Gourmet Kitchen
You often see communities in their marketing saying a home feature is a gourmet kitchen. But what do they mean by that. Maybe their kitchens have some or all of the following that makes it gourmet.
- It flows - you feel good cooking in there
- It has room to store appliances, bowls, pots and pans
- It may have a kitchen island for extra countertop space
- It should have granite or quartz countertops
- It has stainless steel appliances -- preferably energy-saving
- Lots of storage, maybe a pantry (room for salad spinner, tools, pots and pans)
- A gas stove, overhead fan, modern dishwasher (there are some pretty fancy new models)
- Large sink including faucet with pullout sprayer
- Customized drawers with sliding shelves, lazy susans etc.
- Spacious for people to move around easily
- Microwave, blender, mixer, electric toaster, coffee making station
- Plenty of outlets for devices and area for charging phones, computers
Their kitchen has all of the above and more. Again, I forgot to take photos. But their kitchen is truly gourmet and a pleasure to work in. Can you add anything to the list. Let me know and we'll discuss further next time.
New on the Bestguide-Retirementcommunities.com website:
Mobile Phones: Check out our site on mobile phones. We think we have one of the best sites for retirement communities to navigate on mobile phones. You can move up and down the page easily by clicking Navigation and Return to the Top of page. Our Table of Contents and Map are at the top along with our new feature Newest Communities Chart. Our Most Popular Communities feature is at the bottom of the page. And if you want to see all categories for that state page, go to Navigation where its located at the bottom of the page. And thank you for visiting us.
What features would you like us to have to make your use of mobile phones more efficient for looking for retirement communities. Please let us know if there is something that would improve your experience on mobile phones.
One thing I have observed lately is that many communities are adding a small square footage plan to their floorplans. This is very welcome.
As prices are increasing, many buyers are being priced out of the market--a very sad thing. Happily, many builders are offering a new floor plan priced under $250,000 or under $200,000. So keep checking for new floorplans, if this is your concern.
Incentives
This has been a solid trend all year. Incentives aren't always advertised or there may be additional ones to the advertised ones. Sign up on community websites for updates and you may get the information in an email. I have found the updates very helpful.
Incentives are most strong during December in order to reduce the builder's inventory before year-end. Check it out!
RV Information:
Keep up with trends. John Burns Real Estate Consulting offers a great article for RV enthusiasts.
Also, see their article about 55+ apartments.
Getaways with Visitor Stays:
Winter is a good time to take a few days and view communities with Visitor Stays. Check the individual communities to see if they have offers to visit. If the community is closing out usually these offers are withdrawn.
Del Webb has frequent "Explore Del Webb" stays. There is a list here of Del Webb communities with visitor stays. Try stringing a few together.
For those considering a Shea Trilogy community, they have released a list of Trilogy communities with "Taste the Good Life" overnight stays, a good way to explore. They are:
Pricing:
As rents continue to rise, we have noticed increased interest in Low Income Housing on our website.
Winter is a good time to take a few days and view communities with Visitor Stays. Check the individual communities to see if they have offers to visit. If the community is closing out usually these offers are withdrawn.
Del Webb has frequent "Explore Del Webb" stays. There is a list here of Del Webb communities with visitor stays. Try stringing a few together.
For those considering a Shea Trilogy community, they have released a list of Trilogy communities with "Taste the Good Life" overnight stays, a good way to explore. They are:
- Vistancia - Arizona
- Encanterra - Arizona
- Ardiente - Nevada
- Monarch Dunes - California
- Polo Club - California
- Ocala Preserve - Florida
- Orlando - Florida
- Lake Norman - NC
- Lake Frederick - Virginia
Florida Short-Term Seasonal Rentals:
Snowbird Tip: If you missed out on traditional apartment-type seasonal rentals, consider RV communities. Many have units to rent for the season (Nov. thru April). Units can be park models or cottages. You can rent by week, month or season. These communities have luxury amenities and are in great locations. You can find lists of 55+ RV Communities and RV-Florida communities on my website.
California and Arizona also have seasonal RV rentals.
California and Arizona also have seasonal RV rentals.
Pricing:
As rents continue to rise, we have noticed increased interest in Low Income Housing on our website.
Builder Websites: 6 Reasons to Visit the Community or Company Website
- Showing incentives and special offers
- RSVP for events offered to the public
- Registering to be updated on communities
- New communities Coming
- Blog Articles
- Events Pages
New Communities Coming in the New Year:
Regatta Landing in Windstar on Naples Bay on the West Coast of Florida. Starting low $500's. 2399-231-4381
Bridgewater at Viera by WCI in Melbourne, Florida.
Oasis Daytona in Daytona, Florida
Venue at Princeton - New Jersey
Bridge Bay at Bannon Lakes - St. Augustine, Fl. - From $200's.
Valencia Bay in Palm Beach County, Fl. by Minto. From upper $400's.
Four Seasons at Parklands in Florida - Grand Opening Model Event Nov. 5th. - By K Hovnanian - From low $300's.
Bay Bridge Cove - Maryland's Eastern Shore by McKee Homes
Cresswind Charlotte opening in 2017 by Kolter
Regency at Palisades by Toll also in Charlotte, NC
Regency at White Oak Creek by Toll in Apex, NC
Cresswind Charlotte opening in 2017 by Kolter
Regency at Palisades by Toll also in Charlotte, NC
Regency at White Oak Creek by Toll in Apex, NC
What's Happening at Communities:
Arizona
Trilogy at Verde River:
Homes starting price in upper $400's. Only new golf community in North Scottsdale. Model homes now open. Appointments recommended. Open Daily - times vary - New golf improvements open Nov. 5th to the public.
17427 East Desert Vista Trail, Rio Verde (near Scottsdale)
Available: Designer quick-movein homes - options hand-picked by design team.
Verify all events before going 800-685-6494. (Note: I have found Shea Homes readily answers their Trilogy customer service phone number.)
17427 East Desert Vista Trail, Rio Verde (near Scottsdale)
Available: Designer quick-movein homes - options hand-picked by design team.
Verify all events before going 800-685-6494. (Note: I have found Shea Homes readily answers their Trilogy customer service phone number.)
Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria:
Homes are priced from low $200's. Try Before You Buy Program for $399 3 nights and 4 days (see rules). Just released second round of homesites. New Focus Collection features a sliding glass wall.
- FYI Vistancia has a very active bicycle club and features expert knowledge of the surrounding trails.
- Named the best 55+ community by "Best in American Living" awards.
- This community has the Alvea Spa.
- Move-in ready homes are available with designer touches.
Victory at Verrado at Buckeye:
Now Open - from upper $300's.
They have had their first grape crushing event at their working vineyard. Will do it again in 2017 if you missed it.
They have a calendar listing public events. They also feature monthly wellness talks. Call 623-399-9001 for questions about upcoming events..
The Victory community is on the list of "Ten Hottest Neighborhoods," recently published by Phoenix Magazine.
Arizona Travel Feature: If you'll be in Arizona, Maracay Homes has an excellent calendar of events for major communities around Arizona. Maracay Homes has a new 55+ community in Victory at Verrado - From $370's.
Sun City Festival:
Del Webb's 55+ community in Buckeye - You can experience the lifestyle for only $59+/night (see rules--rate subject to change). Day pass or overnight passes. Starts from very low $200's.
Good offer: 3 night stays for $59 a night plus tax (verify). (First-time visitors only.) Offer good until end of year. Price range for homes start $200's.
Del Webb still has their incredible offer to save $20,000 on move-in ready homes in Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson areas) if closes by Dec. 31. (Please verify information for this offer.)
Good offer: 3 night stays for $59 a night plus tax (verify). (First-time visitors only.) Offer good until end of year. Price range for homes start $200's.
Del Webb still has their incredible offer to save $20,000 on move-in ready homes in Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson areas) if closes by Dec. 31. (Please verify information for this offer.)
Phoenix Magazine has an article listing its "Top Ten Hottest Neighborhoods for 2020"
There are two 55+ Communities on their list: Encore at Eastmark by AV Homes and Victory at Verrado.
Also interesting to note: they reveal that there will be a new Apple Headquarters coming to the Mesa area in 2016-2017.
Tucson:
Good article on Tucson 2015 market trends. The economy, prices of homes, employment and more.
California
Trilogy at Vineyards - Northern California (East Bay):
By Shea Homes Priced from low $500's.
For events at your favorite Trilogy communities read their Events Blog.
For events at your favorite Trilogy communities read their Events Blog.
Trilogy at Rio Vista - Northern California - less than an hour to San Francisco
Saturday, Dec 3rd - 11-2 - Winter Celebration - festive food and drink at The Tour Center. They are in their final phase. See quick move-in homes. RSVP online for this community in a great location with San Francisco less than an hour.
Saturday, Dec. 17th - 11-2 - Santa Claus visits - Holiday treats, arts and crafts and visit Santa. RSVP Online - Prices from high $200's.
Florida
Interesting to Note: Del Webb has listed their states and communities that have a loft feature. Lofts are great if you often have out-of-town guests to give them a private space. They are also handy for having an extra space for an office or even storage. Lots of uses. The following states have communities with loft plans in a Del Webb home: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Texas.
New: Grand Opening of their RV Park and Boat Storage. See their website for limited time offer on receiving Flex Cash on Stone Creek homes.
Also, they have a visit tour.
Del Webb has a new community coming soon in St. Augustine.
Recurring Events: Wine Down Wednesday - 2nd Wednesday of the month - RSVP 704-812-9000
They have a new tour center at 6844 Shoal Creek Dr., Denver NC
New Floorplan under $250,000 (Community Pricing from $239,000 to upper $300's.) - yay! Probably won't last long.
December Hard Hat Tours: For a short time when you tour their new Trail Collection, you can receive a lunch on them. Call to schedule your tour at 800-685-6494.
December 10th: Be entertained at the Model Home by H C Oakes Duo - acoustic guitar music - Mini desserts and more - no RSVP necessary.
Main tourist attraction in area: The Biltmore.
On-going special events.
See their blog for many events.
Trilogy Lake Frederick now has the 360 degree interactive tour on their website (Trilogylife.com)
Thank you for visiting us this year. We look forward to another outstanding year for 55+ communities in 2017. Read all about them on our website, www.Bestguide-Retirementcommunities.com.
Florida has the best prices. Can't complain about these prices at communities in Florida:
Del Webb under $200,000:
Del Webb Stone Creek - $159,990
Del Webb Orlando - $170's
Cypress Falls at the Woodlands - $170's
Del Webb Naples - $190's
Many more builders have communities less than $200,000. See all 12 of Best Guide's Florida pages starting here at East Coast Florida.
Trilogy Orlando by Shea Homes
Many outstanding events occur at this community. Call to see which ones are open to future residents. Homes from upper $100's.
Quick Move-In Homes: Every Saturday 1-4 Live music on the patio. Verify from sales consultant.
Note: Lake Nona - Coming a world class tennis center (USTA) with 100 tennis courts to Orlando area. For more information contact USTA.
Tradition community in Port St. Lucie - Will build a new VA Nursing home in Florida. This will be the seventh in Florida.
Quick Move-In Homes: Every Saturday 1-4 Live music on the patio. Verify from sales consultant.
Note: Lake Nona - Coming a world class tennis center (USTA) with 100 tennis courts to Orlando area. For more information contact USTA.
Tradition community in Port St. Lucie - Will build a new VA Nursing home in Florida. This will be the seventh in Florida.
Interesting to Note: Del Webb has listed their states and communities that have a loft feature. Lofts are great if you often have out-of-town guests to give them a private space. They are also handy for having an extra space for an office or even storage. Lots of uses. The following states have communities with loft plans in a Del Webb home: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Texas.
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota area
Model Homes and Sales Center now open - Designated a Top 50 master community - Homes priced from $220's.
Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala
A new phase called Sandalwood with golf, pool, spa and recreation. Stone Creek starts as low as mid-$100's and is one of the largest active adult communities. This gated community's fishing pier and softball are now open.New: Grand Opening of their RV Park and Boat Storage. See their website for limited time offer on receiving Flex Cash on Stone Creek homes.
Also, they have a visit tour.
Del Webb has a new community coming soon in St. Augustine.
Indian River Colony Club - Melbourne - (predominantly members of the military)
IRCC has a great golf getaway package for 3 days/2 nights - Call for details - Did you know this community is on 453 acres with 28 lakes featuring wildlife and gorgeous sunrises. Visit now! 1936 Freedom Dr., Viera - 877-509-9532
New or Coming Florida communities:
- K Hovnanian Four Seasons at Orlando - coming soon to Kissimmee - Join the Interest List now for updates.
- Regatta Landing in Windstar on Naples Bay on the West Coast of Florida. Starting low $500's. 2399-231-4381
- Bridgewater at Viera by WCI in Melbourne, Florida.
- Oasis Daytona in Daytona, Florida
- Bridge Bay at Bannon Lakes - St. Augustine, Fl. - From $200's.
- Valencia Bay in Palm Beach County, Fl. by Minto. From upper $400's.
Georgia
Del Webb at Lake Oconee - Greensboro
Direct access to lake with boat ramp. Call or visit the sales office 1001 Muscogee Way, Greensboro. 866-433-5932
Windsong Homes
Newest community is called Serenade. Only 41 ranch homes in this ideal location priced from mid $300's.
Windsong Homes
Newest community is called Serenade. Only 41 ranch homes in this ideal location priced from mid $300's.
Maryland
Kent Island: A new 55+ community coming soon to Kent Island in Maryland's Eastern Shore. Bay Bridge Cove By McKee Homes. From low $300's. (verify all information)
New Jersey
Good value in a new phase of "Liberty Square at Wesmont Station" in Wood-Ridge, NJ. Townhomes for a commute to NYC starting from $370's.
New York Long Island
Some great new communities selling fast on Long Island. See the Long Island 55+ communities page on our website. We also have pages for apartments and low income housing on LI.
A great deal on Long Island if you qualify for income-restricted properties: The Villas at Meadowbrook Pointe - Start price $289,000! Townhouse start at $327,000.
We reviewed an apartment community recently called Westbrook Village. It is located on Long Island, NY. Read our review of this 55+ apartment community.
A great deal on Long Island if you qualify for income-restricted properties: The Villas at Meadowbrook Pointe - Start price $289,000! Townhouse start at $327,000.
We reviewed an apartment community recently called Westbrook Village. It is located on Long Island, NY. Read our review of this 55+ apartment community.
New Mexico
Mirehaven by Del Webb:
See the model homes and learn about the special features of the lifestyle of the new Sandia Amenity Center. Unique desert architectural design. Homes priced from $230's. 9205 Del Webb Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM
North Carolina
Trilogy Lake Norman - Denver, NC - homesites selling quickly - 7505 Highway 73, Denver NC
Recurring Events: Wine Down Wednesday - 2nd Wednesday of the month - RSVP 704-812-9000
They have a new tour center at 6844 Shoal Creek Dr., Denver NC
New Floorplan under $250,000 (Community Pricing from $239,000 to upper $300's.) - yay! Probably won't last long.
December Hard Hat Tours: For a short time when you tour their new Trail Collection, you can receive a lunch on them. Call to schedule your tour at 800-685-6494.
December 10th: Be entertained at the Model Home by H C Oakes Duo - acoustic guitar music - Mini desserts and more - no RSVP necessary.
Main tourist attraction in area: The Biltmore.
Pennsylvania
Regency at Hilltown by Toll Brothers - Bucks County
This new community of 268 carriage homes is now open daily. This is in a rare location for 55+ communities. By Toll Brothers. Price from upper $300's. In Perkasie. See the news article.
Utah
Sun River St. George Resort-style community:
Offers a 2-night, 3 days Discovery Tour in a designer villa for $99! (verify) 877-322-0903.On-going special events.
See their blog for many events.
Virginia
Trilogy Lake Frederick (120-acre lake in Northern Virginia)
This is a sleeper! I enjoyed my visit to this community so much! See my review. A good way to visit is at one of their events. They always have a full calendar of events. Call the rep for details and the best one to attend at 540-508-2020.Trilogy Lake Frederick now has the 360 degree interactive tour on their website (Trilogylife.com)
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone.
Thank you for visiting us this year. We look forward to another outstanding year for 55+ communities in 2017. Read all about them on our website, www.Bestguide-Retirementcommunities.com.
